Laura Without Labels

Trees, Legos and Three Kinds of Pie!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:02:00 +0000

I have a big family and I love getting the chance to see them all at once. Just my immediate family getting together constitutes a crowd, so when you throw in extended family and friends it's fantastically loud and raucous and wonderful. I invited my friend Rena over this year too, since she had already eaten at lunch time. Thanksgiving dinner was scrumptious last night, even for this vegetarian. I could live off stuffing. Mmm...

Normally the day after Thanksgiving people run around and try to find bargains and stand in lines and jump head first into the holiday season. However, today I went over to my grandma and grandpa's house and helped my gram get her Christmas decorations out. She's on top of things. She loves decorating for the seasons and I've helped her at Christmas each year since she had major back surgery. I help her get all the things down from the attic and I have two things I've always put together. One is the little tree in her small bay window and the other is this lovely chandelier project we created from a picture from the Martha Stewart catalog that first year. Here is my lovely handiwork:

I decided to go with a white and silver theme this year. I like using blues and silvers in my decorations normally to stand out and also because you can leave them up after Christmas, just for "winter" decor.

This is a lovely candle chandelier thinger my gram has hanging in the area down to her steps to the basement. We had a great time copying it the first year and each year it looks more awesome. I love doing this. My grandma told me I have "the gift" when I did this the first year. The gift meaning I have her creative gene. I like that.

Later I went to my parents where my niece and nephew were spending the weekend with my folks. They are totally adorable - she's seven and he's ten. I can't believe how big they are. We had a great time coloring and building castles out of Legos.

And yes, behind that is two kinds of pie: pecan and pumpkin. The coconut cream was in the frig. Oh boy oh boy, so yummy! I'm so glad its only Friday! Two more days off! I hope you are all enjoying time with friends and family.

Art & Science Intersection - The Scientific Poet

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:55:00 +0000

It is evident that I'm not the only person on the internets that is looking for examples of the art & science intersection. I've been checking into a few other blogs who seem to be doing a similar kind of cataloging and I was inspired to look into Rorscharch Ink blot tests after reading this post over at Spilt Martini. The writer over there has had a life long love affair with both art and science and a fascinating example of the merging is the painting of an MRI scan the artist posted. And I was reminded just how much I love Gnarls Barkley.

I myself am particularly drawn to art that is informed by science and scientific progress, primarily because I considering myself more creative than scientific. I've been working on incorporating more scientific or medical elements into my poetry. I've written a poem paying homage to bowerbirds, beautiful creatures who use found human objects to make their nests colorful, thus attracting new mates. I studied parts of the heart and how it functions to write a poem about the word "open" - without actually using the word "open" in the whole poem. I even wrote a funny poem about pareidolia and how people love to see faces of religious figures in their food. I hope to explore this area more in the future with my writing. I also hope some of these poems are published someday so I can share them with you.

It only makes sense that in the first issue of Weave Magazine you will find a number of poems where science is informing the writing or visual art. Dana Guthrie Martin's poem Parasitic Cloaking is a great example, such a haunting look at pregnancy, birth and the strange, symbiotic relationship between mother and (what becomes) a child. It seems that this theme has come to the forefront of Weaves second issue where we explore the world of fairytales and science and their overlap. My co-editor Margaret writes:

Issue 02 will show you science versus fairytale, and where the two may meet. The characters are diverse; a man working in an asylum in the 1960's, the monsters in your closet, and a princess who'd rather be a mad scientist, among others, all equally colorful.

I'm very excited to see where this theme takes us - especially now that we've shared it with our readers. We are hoping we will get more submissions along this strange and beautiful theme.

Turning Inward

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:07:00 +0000

Sometimes it's the time of year. Pittsburgh gets so gray in the winter. You get used to the darkness, the hibernation. You come home after a work day and even if it wasn't particularly hard, you just curl up on your couch with some leftovers and tune out. I have a lot of time to myself, time to read, time to write. It's not like I haven't been writing. I've been working on some projects for Weave and reading submissions. But this time of year, when the outside world is harsh and biting, we turn inward. Into our homes, into our ovens, into our selves and those closest to us. We turn toward tradition - either old ones, or creating new ones.

With only two days from Thanksgiving, I still have some planning to do. I have yet to buy the ingredients for the green bean casserole. But I figure it will all be on sale anyway and I won't make it until Thursday morning regardless. I need to get some kind of gift for my mom and grandma - they always do such a lovely job with Thanksgiving. They have always included me, despite the fact that I am vegetarian. People always ask me what I eat on Thanksgiving. I usually ask them what they eat and I tell them I eat everything they do, except the turkey. My mom makes a large tray of vegetarian stuffing (MY FAVORITE), corn casserole, green beans, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls, yams - there is always plenty of food for anyone and everyone. We will have at least 14 of us this year at Thanksgiving. I love this holiday, mostly because of the food and family time, but also because it is a secular holiday. It requires no belief, except gratitude for what you have. I have a lot to be grateful for.

I began baking this weekend. I don't really bake any other time of year except now when my mom, grandma, sister-in-law and I make cookie trays to give as gifts. We all split up the cookie recipes and make at least 5 dozen of each kind. Then in mid-December we bring them over to my mom's house and lay them all out on her dining room table, sometimes spilling over into the kitchen. We bring beautiful big trays and smaller little plates and cover them with over 20 different kinds of cookies. Some of my favorites include apricot rolls, molasses, oatmeal raisin, baklava, lady fingers, cream wafers and of course, chocolate chip. This was a tradition my mother and grandma have shared for years, longer than I've been alive. I remember when my grandma would come over with boxes and containers of cookies, my brothers and I trying to sneak one or two (or ten). I remember when my sister-in-law (who also happens to be a friend of mine since fifth grade) and I were included. We got new kinds of cookies from her family's recipes. When we give these cookie trays as gifts, people are always impressed with the variety and that everything is homemade. I love this tradition.

I was talking to my mom this past weekend and she asked me if I had plans for Christmas Eve this year. My family usually attends a local church service and spends time with a family friend who celebrates the Italian tradition of the Seven Fishes. I realized these past few Christmases, my (now ex) husband and I had created a little tradition of opening our gifts early on Christmas Eve. This was kind of special to me because as a child, my parents never let us open one gift until Christmas morning. I'm not sure what I'll do this year on Christmas Eve. My sweeties will be with their respective families so I might just end up attending a service at the Unitarian Universalist Church I belong to. This time of year... I long for that looking inward again, while anchoring myself to a community so I don't fall too far inside myself. My mom also invited me to spend the night at their house on Christmas Eve. Considering they all wake up at 7am on Christmas morning to open gifts, I might just stay at my place. I think I will need to come up with my own tradition.

Most of all, this time of year, I crave the slower pace. I crave the time to sleep in, to eat more, to move less. Less sunlight, less serotonin. Cold outside, warm inside. More sleep. More cuddling. I love the natural tradition of biology and seasonal shifts - that simple reminder that humans aren't outside of nature looking at it, but connected to it. Even if depression sinks in a bit, I have the experience and maturity to know it will thaw and melt with the snow come March. That is the bright side of this darkening. But as the days will continue to shorten I will take the time to reflect, to write, to read, and to spend time with the ones I love. And probably gain a couple pounds too.

One Year of Blogging

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:41:00 +0000

I started this blog one year ago with the hopes that I'd have a few readers, perhaps publish some more formal writing and maybe even teach someone a thing or two. With a year under my belt, almost 50 subscribed readers and over 80 posts, I feel very much connected to a community. The communal aspect of blogging was something I wasn't expecting. I honestly didn't think that many people would be interested in what I had to say, and although my readership and site traffic are very small comparatively, I still feel open, in a good way.

I started the first paragraph this morning when I was very tired and I'm finishing it now, while I'm even more tired. I'm just too exhausted to do a full on examination or reflection or anything. In fact, I find it odd that this week my employer's internet connection has been down so I've had less time online. It has actually been a much needed break from all the social networking and chatting I do. As the Queen of Multitasking, it's been nice to have time to sit and focus on one project at a time.

I will take a look back over this past year at some point. But tonight is not the night. I'm glad I have this space and I'm glad you are here with me.

How are you my dear readers?

Eight Things

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:00:00 +0000

I have been tagged by Ian over at Idiot's Stew. This meme asks me to post 8 random facts/habits about myself and tag eight other folks in the process. Instead of tagging folks, I will simply invite any of my blog readers to either 1) share 8 things in the comments of my post or 2) write a post on their blog and link back in the comments!

I had some trouble thinking about things to admit, since I'm pretty forthcoming already on my blog. I did my best!

So here are 8 things you don't need to know about me:

1) I have 5 siblings - 3 younger brothers and 2 older sisters.
2) My favorite animal ever in the whole world is the giraffe.
3) After high school I had plans to become a youth minister.
4) I am a fan of Justin Timberlake. And Madonna.
5) I've been vegetarian for 3 1/2 years.
6) I am addicted to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter (this is probably obvious).
7) I'm incredibly lazy when it comes to chores.
8) I had very little hair until I was four years old. My dad called me the bald-headed gorp.

According to the rules of this game I need to tag 8 others, but I'm not. So if you are reading this and feel like sharing, go for it!

And here's the rules if you feel like playing along:

1. Each player starts with eight random fact/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog post, ~~you need to tag eight people and list their names.~~ See amended rules above.
4. ~~Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged and to read your blog.~~ Remember to leave me a comment telling me about your post! Or just share yours right in the comments!

Happy Friday :-D

"Have a little faith honey"

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:42:00 +0000

That's what my mom emailed me today.

*Warning: Laura is feeling somewhat ranty and grumbly this week!*

I used to consider myself a faithful person, in a very specific sense. I was a devout Christian. Very full of faith in "God" and the power of Jesus in my life. I had faith in the Bible, faith in my ministers, my spiritual mentors, faith in my church and the congregation I belonged to.

It was a pure, heartfelt - and completely blind - faith.

In the end, having that kind of faith sent me into a personal crisis. Once I got to college and began to fall away from Christianity I realized that faith came in conflict with how I wanted to live my life. It felt childish to me. Faith meant believing in something, even when other evidence suggest there wasn't hope. Faith meant stagnancy, ignorance and a rejection of knowledge. Faith eventually drove me to a deep depression when I realized how naive I was. Faith was a word that religious people threw around thinking they had the moral high ground because they are "people of faith" and I felt guilty for questioning my faith - and the concept of FAITH itself.

However, having faith in things other than god or religion - is that appropriate? Is it the right word? Faith in a religious context usually means belief without proof. But what about faith in my friends and family? Is that really faith? Or is it trust? What about faith that our current political situation with improve? Is that faith? Or is that really hope? Can I - as someone who strives to rely on proof and evidence in decision-making - have faith in anything?

But what makes faith have so much value in our society? I recently saw the movie Religulous and Bill Mahr makes the great point that people of faith feel that doubt is something to overcome. It's not a desirable position to take. However, skeptics like Mahr and myself, feel that doubt should be the first position someone takes until one has more evidence. Doubt should be considered noble - just as (some) Americans embrace our right to dissent. Does doubt get a bad rep simply because it rejects the notion that "faith" is the ultimate position in times of stress?

People argue that skeptics have faith in in the scientific method. This is also wrong. We don't need to have faith - we don't need to blindly hope for the best with science. We have confidence, centuries of proof that time after time science will find answers. And in the mean time, it's alright to say "I don't know" - because we will, someday.

And what about myself? Can I have faith in myself? Again, I return to semantics. I don't need to have faith in myself because I'm lucky enough to know myself. I have confidence in myself. If I need a new job, I have confidence I can work hard and find one. If a relationship ends, I have confidence I will be ok on my own or that I'll find love again (remember, there is no shortage on love!). I have confidence in my ability to provide for myself, to better myself. I reject faith even on this personal level - it's not an appropriate word at this point in my life.

I wish I could make my mom happy - and have a little faith - but I have never been the kind of person that likes to dwell in the past. I can't move backward. I can do my best to be optimistic - to look at a conflict or problem and be hopeful based on what I know. However, this is one word - one label - that I don't feel I can ever adopt again. I will however, still always love George Michael's song Faith, simply because he's awesometastic.

Weave Magazine Success!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:20:00 +0000

This past weekend was the best weekend of my life. I will do my best to pay homage to it.

I had the day off on Friday and met Margaret for lunch and it turned out Heidi, issue 01 cover artist, was already close to da burgh and could meet us as well. After some delicious crepes we met with Adam and Cecelia of Open Thread in the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. We chose a room to do our joint reading for December - more details to come!

Then Mags, Heidi and I make the mad dash to move cars around get our butts to Butler to Mechling Bookbindery to pick up the lovely lovely copies of Weave Magazine Issue 01 (on sale now)! After about 90 minutes of driving we are chomping at the bit to get our paws on a hard copy. As we are pulling up my mom calls to tell me the P ittsburgh Tribune-Review article came out. I asked her to email it to me and with the wonders of technology I hop online via my iPod touch and we are literally reading the article while holding the actual first issue. The three of us squealed and jumped - I am not sure that Mr. Mechling knew what to make of us, but they really did a superb job with the printing and I strongly recommend them.

We then quickly make a mad dash back to Pittsburgh (with a small pit stop for McDonald's fries and soda) and head straight to Garfield, PA to The Sprout Fund Harvest Event where we had a table to promote Weave, sell copies and rub elbows with folks involved in other Seed Awardees. We are so grateful to The Sprout Fund for not only their financial support, but also with providing us opportunities to showcase our project and connect us with other creative people in Pittsburgh. We sold, we promoted our event for Sunday, we met some amazing people as well who were excited about the project including an amazing artist and writer from Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Perry. Please look at her blog and be amazed! Pittsburgh has such amazing talent. (I think I just counted four uses of the word "amazed/amazing"?)

On Saturday I had some time to relax with Heidi and Addie where we watched a candy-sweet, girls-in-lurve movie and ate some yummy pierogies. We talked and chatted and stuffed envelopes of the copies of Weave to mail to all our lovely contributors. I felt very prepared for Sunday's main event.

By the time I was leaving in my adorable dress on Sunday I realized I wasn't that nervous. I felt very prepared to run this event. Plus, Margaret was going to be there and so if I drove off a cliff or was abducted by aliens, I felt totally confident she could run the event. So with two completely capable people we were ahead of the game. Not to mention all the amazing people who assisted us! Some of the first people to arrive were issue 01 contributor Mary Biddinger and issue 02 contributor Frank Depoole. I stole the two following photos from Mr. Depoole's blog post on Pittsburgh.

That's me and Mags on stage opening the event. Folks quickly started pouring in. We just felt so amazed by all the people who showed up and supported us - friends, family and some wonderful new faces of local people. The readings went so well and I loved looking around seeing people holding copies of the first issue, lounging about Your Inner Vagabond, reading copies. I can't wait until I see a copy of this issue on a table somewhere all coffee-stained and dog-earred.

The silent auction items were spectacular and a big success for Weave. Amazingly, two artists who donated a lovely portrait of Isadora Duncan showed up - William Rock and Chinese poet Huang Xiang of the Century Mountain Project. The two have collaborated on a series of portraits that include Rock's portraits and Xiang's Chinese calligraphy. As a lovely surprise, Xiang agreed to perform a poem in Chinese after Margaret read the English translation. My grandmother is still talking about this part of the night - it was her favorite! It was truly such an honor to have Xiang perform. He will be reading again tonight at the Shaler North Hills Library in Glenshaw at 7pm.

I was very grateful to my family members who came to support me; my parents, my grandma, and two of my brothers who both helped with manning the complimentary drinks table. Here is Ben happily drinking his Lion's Head. Thanks Ben!

We also had a lovely belly dancer who performed twice (Ben really liked her a lot!) and after we announced the silent auction winners the band Between Liberties performed an awesome set to close out the party. They are a seriously awesome band who will perform again tonight at the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern. We danced and sang along and hugged and laughed! I couldn't believe I even had a chance to stop and breath and have fun at the party - it felt so good to have the night end in such a celebratory way.

I could not have done this whole thing without Margaret. She has made such amazing friendships with local writers, artists and musicians. She is so smart and motivated with such big ideas and I'm so grateful to have her as my partner with Weave, and as a friend. My friend Beth took this photo (and all the others but Frank's and the last one) and called us the "Mothers of Weave" which feels like a magnificently appropriate term - earthy and nurturing, like our journal.

I also want to thank my friends and partners for being so supportive in this endeavor. I could not be has successful without all the amazing people in my life. I really am one of the luckiest gals alive. I love you all.

I sure hope you'll go buy a copy of Weave Magazine Issue 01!

Art & Science Intersections - Pittsburgh styles!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:09:00 +0000

I recently started following The Mattress Factory on Twitter. For those of you not from Pittsburgh, the MF is not what you think (no Sealy Posturpedics here!). MF is a museum that you experience in multiple dimensions with all your senses - you literally walk through the art! Each room in the MF is an installation piece that widen your perception of what a museum can be. From their website:

The Mattress Factory is a museum of contemporary art that exhibits room-sized works called installations. Created on site by artists from across the country and around the world, our unique exhibitions feature a variety of media that engage all of the senses.

Whilst following the MF on twitter, they alerted me to an interesting local art project called Street with a View. Artists Robin Hewlett and Ben Kinsley collaborated with the Google Street View team to "blur the lines between fiction and reality" with their documentation of Sampsonia Way on Pittsburgh's North Side. Working with actual community members and the MF (which is on Sampsonia Way) they created and acted out various stories of potential happenings on a neighborhood street. Things like sword fights, band practice, a human ham and a moving van are now all a part of the actual street view option for Sampsonia Way in Pittsburgh (seriously, check it out for yourself). It is a really interesting idea about how art, technology and community can all converge into one statement. Makes me wonder how I would want people to visualize my neighborhood and what stories we could tell through pictures.

Check out this short documentary: The Making of "Street with a View"

If you are visiting Pittsburgh I strongly suggest you check out the MF (along with our other wonderful museums!)

Laura lurves Soccergirl!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

I met Soccergirl when I went to TAM 6 this past summer and we were like peas and carrots and the rest of the effing vegetables all rolled into one majorly delicious medley. Like seriously, I think she was always living inside my brain sort of. I felt bad when I introduced myself to her because I had no idea she was one of the forerunners of podcasting, an awesome skeptic, a comedian, a musician, an artist and writer. I had no idea when I shook her hand and the random fanboy next to me went on and on about how awesome she was. I was just excited to meet another female skeptic my age at TAM who was also clearly a creative person, not a scientist. When I saw her again later that night during the special Dinner with (James "The Amazing") Randi - I made a point to tell her straight up that I had no idea who she was, in hopes that it would score me points for not being a geeky fan-girl. Totally worked and we couldn't stop talking through dinner. We met up later that night at the bar and I don't think there was a subject that we couldn't talk about. I was also developing a major crush on this woman - like, for real. And I've been crushing hard ever since. She's been crazy busy with trying to jumpstart her newest project and with finishing up her fairwell episode of her podcast Soccergirl, Inc. I missed her so much I decided to call in to her show and leave her a little message which she put in her 300th episode (1:02:38 ish - if you wanna her my lovely voice). I hope I get to see her before the next TAM in July. I just would like her know I miss her. I miss you Anni.

Humbled

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:34:00 +0000

I just want to document this moment for posterity.

Today I voted for Barack Obama who will now be the 44th President of the United States. He will be the first African-American president. I just watched his opponent John McCain concede graciously. I am waiting to hear Obama speak and just thinking about it gives me chills. I am happy to post prior to this speech because I just want to let this whole experience resonate in me. I consider myself a skeptic, but a lot of people confuse that with the term cynic. There is a big distinction to make there. These last few years I found myself getting more cynical about this country and politics. I'm happy to say that while we have a lot of work to do, Obama has clearly inspired people out of the cyncism and into action. I'm excited and hopeful to see the direction this country with take under the leadership of President Obama.

I'm speechless and honored to have a candidate like him for which to vote.

Overwhelmed

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:02:00 +0000

It's all happening.

I'm down to the final days of preparation for the Weave Magazine Release Party. We have had some really lucky coincidences occur. While our original musical act fell through, within an hour we received an email from Between Liberties offering to perform. They are a three piece band - guitar, cello and vocals - and really fit with both the atmosphere of the space we are using and with the style of party we are going for. We want classy-bohemian, grace and style. Smart and sassy, warm and communal. I couldn't be happier to have them as part of the Weave family. We have also had a number of friends offer their assistance, donate items for the silent auction, etc. My grandma just called me at work this morning offering to buy us wine for the event! I am happy she is doing this because 1) It will help us to not have that expense and 2) I don't drink wine and she does, so I trust her judgment (she's a good Italian Noni - she knows her wines). We have some press coming up later this week, I have taken Friday off with Margaret and we're going to pick up the copies of the first issue that day and prepare for the networking event with The Sprout Fund that evening. I am so overwhelmed with regard to the success of Weave in terms of being simply humbled.

The current political landscape is also leaving me completely overwhelmed. I am nervous to vote tomorrow. Pennsylvania tends to run a bit purple so I really want to get out there and represent. I'm voting for Obama/Biden and I feel like I'm a part of something much bigger than myself in doing so. This election is so important - I can't even think about what our world would be like if have a McCain/Palin presidency. THAT completely overwhelms me. But I'm very hopeful that Americans are ready for the CHANGE that Senator Obama represents.

I have also had some personal relationship occurrences that have left me rather emotionally overwhelmed. I am the kind of person who feels things very deeply and since I choose to have rather non-traditional relationships, the emotions tend to run even higher. I have learned a lot about myself in just the last few days and hopefully I'll have time to sort through those feelings after the event on Sunday. But I'm very lucky to have two people in my life that care about my feelings and want only happiness for me.

I've not had a ton of time to do a really in-depth label analysis lately. I do have some interesting labels lined up to discuss - some of these are one's I've already promised to write about, but I'm recommitting myself to that original promise!

Poet
Organized
Non-Monogamous
Geeky
Open
Extroverted
Religious

I am also still somewhat overwhelmed by the fact that people actually read my blog and find it interesting. I do a lot of promoting through Twitter and Facebook and some of my family members have found me on those sites recently. I am out as queer and non-monogamous to most of my immediate family, but not to all of my extended family. It will be interesting to see if people mention anything at the family Christmas party.

Jamy Ian Swiss at Carnegie Science Center Nov 1st!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:13:00 +0000

Magician and mentalist Jamy Ian Swiss will be performing tomorrow at the Carnegie Science Center, along with the help of the CFI's DJ Groethe and Pittsburgh's own mentalist Rick Maue. Heavy Mental Mind-Reading Show & Workshop is sure to be a great time for magic-geeks and skeptics, along with those just looking to be thoroughly entertained. From the CFI Pittsburgh website:

World renowned magician Jamy Ian Swiss will be performing his mind-reading show Heavy Mental at the Carnegie Science Center at 7:00 PM Saturday, November 1.

During the afternoon, from 1 PM until 5 PM, there is a workshop entitled Science, Magic, and Skepticism: A Natural Relationship. This workshop explores the relationship between Magic and Skepticism and also features D.J. Grothe of the Center's Point of Inquiry radio show and podcast, and Pittsburgh's own Rick Maue, founder of Deceptions Unlimited.

1:00-5:00 p.m. - Workshop/Lectures & Demonstrations
D.J. Grothe, The History of Magic in Skepticism
Jamy Ian Swiss, The Illusion of Psychic Powers
Q&A on Magic, Skepticism, Science, and Reason - with Swiss, Grothe, and Pittsburgh's own Rick Maue

7:00 p.m. - HEAVY MENTAL Show
Jamy's new show of mind-to-mind mystery

Admission for the workshop is $30 ($20 for students and Friends of the Center, and free to Carnegie members); the evening show is $15 ($10 for students, Friends of the Center, and Carnegie members)

SPECIAL NOTE: The Heavy Mental show is not recommended for children under 12 and no one under 8 will be admitted.

Several members of the board have seem Jamy perform, both on and off stage, and we can attest to his skill. You will be amazed at his abilities. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity!

If you wish to pre-register for the show, you can do so HERE

This event has gotten some good press: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote a cool article HERE if you'd like more info. Also the Trib! - HERE.

Write to Marry!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:03:00 +0000

It's simple folks: not giving LGBTs the right to marry their partners is discrimination. It's the same fight we fought when we gave interracial couples the right to marry. The religious right in this country are desperately trying to maintain their strangle-hold on "family values" in this country and this campaign is a desperate attempt to maintain that hold. It's a sad state of affairs that one of the most progressive states in the US has to fight this ridiculous battle against hatred and bigotry. It's not a religious issue folks - its a civil rights issue. It's an issue about freedom and access and providing the same rights to all Americans, regardless of whether you agree with their lifestyle. I couldn't care less if people approve of my sexuality - I am who I am regardless. I DO care when someone's religion starts infringing on my rights.

For those of you in California -Vote NO on Proposition 8!

Thanks to Daisybones for bringing this blog campaign to my attention!

Art & Science Intersections - kids & education!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:09:00 +0000

I came across a number of awesome intersections last week pertaining to education and children. I studied elementary education (although I never taught and never will) - science was one of my favorite subjects to teach! There were so many great ways to be creative and scientific in one lesson. I especially love when kids get to draw pictures of something from a science lesson, like the moon cycles or the lower intestines (those are real pretty).

I found a great organization via this blog post over at Creative Synthesis:

River of Words is a non-profit group based in California that uses art and poetry to involve students in an "observation-based nature exploration" - using art to teach science, respect for nature, community involvement, one's role in society and the natural world - WOW. Just an awesome program.

sciencegeekgirl shares a podcast:

Science Teaching Tips (a site by and for science teachers) discusses the use of theater in the science classroom in their podcast - "Exploratorium staff educator Tory Brady performs a bit of theater, demonstrating the roles of the star players in the immune system."

And I just thought this one was cute:

Where Art Meets Science: Kids are so awesome. It was made in Sunday school too. Woot.

Women: Smart AND Sexual? A Personal Response to Skepchick's "Gender and the Skeptical Movement"

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:36:00 +0000

I was on a blogging high for the last few weeks and this week I took a serious nose-dive. I've had a good week relatively speaking, but things have been really busy with preparations for the Weave Magazine release party and I'm behind on my blog reading, which usually gives me good fodder for topics and responses. However, yesterday I read this post on Skepchick I'm so glad I did. I have been inspired, motivated and - well, pushed off my lazy ass this week.

The topic Carrie's post was more about how we can get more women exposed to and practicing critical thinking. However, an underlying theme that came up a lot was this issue of women, intelligence and sexuality. Can women be sexual and smart? Does expressing her sexuality somehow cheapen her intelligence? How can one maintain a balance between being both sexy and smart?

I've always been smart, but I just didn't always know I was. I did well in school, but I kind of thought everyone did. I was encouraged to do well in academics, but I was also encouraged to have other activities like Girl Scouts, my church choir and youth group, drama club and dating. My parents wanted me to be well-rounded and I'm glad for that. It wasn't until I got to college that I realized that I had some real gifts. I liked being recognized for my accomplishments, particularly when I started getting awesome feedback on my academic writing in college. I liked being smart. I loved college and I still love learning.

Around this same time I was also realizing that I was a sexual, attractive person. I always felt awkward in my body in high school. I was taller than all the boys (I'm 5'10") and kind of loud and boisterous. I was also funny. Some guys never know what to make of a funny girl. But in college I started to realize that I was not only really smart, but also an attractive person. (It feels funny to say that - like I'm bragging. And perhaps I am. But really, I just happened to hit the gene lotto and I happen to like my body and I think that just saying that is a powerful thing). I started getting attention from guys, dating more, experimenting with my sexuality. I think this happens to a lot of young women in college.

This was the time in my life when first noticed this problem: I loved feeling attractive, but I also loved it when people knew I was smart. In fact, it annoyed me when I got too much attention for my looks. I wanted to say to guys, "Yeah, I'm cute but isn't it awesome that I can also hold a conversation? Aren't I interesting in other ways?"

This past year I've seemed to find a wonderfully smart, quirky, intelligent - and sexy - group of friends. In particular, I've gotten involved with freethinkers and skeptics and specifically with the Skepchick gals (*wink*). I attended The Amazing Meeting 5.5 and then got the chance to be in the Skepchick calendar. I absolutely loved the idea of getting to share my sexual side of myself, while also representing a group of women who are smart, thoughtful and engaging. I was really excited to go to TAM 6 and be around other people like me. However, I did feel this strange pull again - this strange need to prove that while I was sexy/sexual, I was also smart. Perhaps another issue is that I'm not a science buff. I'm a writer. I'm a poet. I didn't completely feel like those qualities were recognized as valid by some of the people I encountered. On the whole, most of the folks I met were awesome and accepting. But I can't say there weren't times when I almost wished I hadn't done the calendar photo - that I had the chance to FIRST show that I was smart, and also sexual. Rather than the other way around.

I have also had similar experiences at some skeptic events in Pittsburgh - men approaching me because they heard I was in the calendar - which I'm not shy about, I make that known. And I have no problem with that being brought up - but then why don't they also recognize that I've managed to bring a lot of younger people to events, start my own social event and contribute to a blog for local skeptics? What about those qualities? Why not mention those, admire those assets too? Again, on the whole I've felt very included, but those experiences really stand out to me. Make me wonder if I should have held back in some ways, or been more thoughtful about how I present myself.

But should it matter? Should I have to hide my sexual self? Should I conceal that part of me until I show people that I'm intelligent and creative? Why does it seem that women have this struggle so much more than men? I have been thoughtful about this with regard to my writing. I considered posting some of the photos that didn't make it into the Skepchick calender on this site to get some hits. But I realized that I want this blog to be more about smart writing, social commentary and community. I can share my sexual self through my words. But that's my choice. In other arenas, I might choose to be more upfront and aggressive with my sexuality. And perhaps I'll change my mind someday and share my mostly naked pictures with my blog readers. But for now, I like this space as it stands.

I don't think I should have to hide parts of myself to validate other qualities - I'm more complex than that - my intelligence is part of my sexiness. I'm proud of both my intellect and my sexuality. My flirty nature is part of my quick wit and sarcasm. And that's what I find most attractive in other people. It sounds cliche but truly, our brains are our best sex organ. Sure, my 36 inches of legs are sexy as fuck too, but really isn't it great that I can also make someone laugh, make someone think? I don't' think those need to be separate qualities. They are tangled inside me in this beautifully complex knot of my experiences, my desires, my emotions, my needs. It's a beautiful tangled web inside all of us and isn't that the most wonderful part of being human? That we aren't one-sided? or even two-sided? That we are moving, growing, feeling and learning. All human beings, not just women or just men - we all have these parts of us that are tied together - and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Reflections on being a blogger

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:19:00 +0000

I have gotten some new readership as of late since I had the awesome opportunity to do a post for Skepchick, along with my budding internet romances I have going on via twitter. I'm really excited to have this space and excited about all the things I can do with it in the future. As you can tell, I've changed the layout a bit. I'm working on a new design as well, once I nail down a local photographer.

*UPDATE: I've also just found out that Feministing posted about that stupid poll and linked to my letter to E! Online and Ted Casablanca - what a week!*

With the new readership, I also started looking into ads for my blog. I soon found out that I don't have nearly enough readers to make money from ads and it would definitely change the feel of my blog. Interestingly, on that same day I came across this post on the blog Dopp Juice and I felt justified in my choice to abandon ads. She also got me thinking about what my priorities are with this blog. I think overall, I love having a space to write and to get feedback. To me, my writing is something that I can't live with out. I make it a priority to be very thoughtful with my topics and try to have a variety so people are interested. But the feedback portion is (almost) tied with my writing. Honestly, I'd probably still write even if I didn't have an audience of sorts, but I love the interaction between reader and writer, how people influence my post topics, how other blogs inspire me. So with that being said, I think community building is also a priority for me here - both online and in real life as well. And if someone learns something in the process of the writing, reading and community building - that's just the icing on the cake. I am not trying to change the world with my writing, but I figure 1) I have an interesting life so it makes for good blog post topics and 2) I like to challenge the status quo and getting an alternative perspective out in the world is important to me.

So to summarize, here are my priorities with my blog:

Having a space to write
Getting feedback from readers
Creating communities, both on and off-line
Educate people on my awesomeness (and other cool things too)

Last week I was also contacted by a couple people who found my blog either through Facebook or just online searches. One will even result in my being profiled, along with my Weave co-editor Margaret, for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Sometime in the next week we'll be featured as community members who have done something "noteworthy" in a feature they called "Newsmakers" - awesome! So while I might not be making money directly off my blog here, I'm definitely making connections that benefit me in other ways, both personally and professionally.

I have had this blog for almost one year now - November marks my Laura (Without Labels) anniversary and I'm not sure what I'll do to celebrate. Perhaps a fun video post is in order, since I have a MacBook now. Makes video blogging so much easier. I'm sure I'll come up with something fun.

Art & Science Intersections

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:25:00 +0000

In just three short days, my google alert emails have sent me a plethora of topics to highlight with regard to the intersection of art and science. I do plan to highlight one ~~every week or so~~ at least twice a month (that's more realistic). More often though, I will post a list of links of interest with a short overview of the innovative things happening in the overlap of these two areas.

First I'd like to thank Amanda at Skepchick for sharing this lovely nugget via twitter:

Quantum Cello - Have a listen to WNYC's interview with cellist Zoe Keating (former member of Rasputina) who infuses the "physics...of looping sound" into her recording

I found this on a search via google:

Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) - From their website: "EMPAC is a place and a program where the arts, technology and science will challenge and transform each other. Founded by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute...It will offer artists, visiting scholars, researchers, engineers, designers, and audiences opportunities that are available nowhere else under a single roof, providing unsurpassed facilities for creative exploration as well as for research in fields ranging from visualization to immersive environments to large-scale interactive simulations"

Many thanks to google news alerts for making all this research so easy and for sending me this wonderful poetry.

Three Poems by Sarah Lindsay - My personal favorite is the first one here entitled, Song of the Spadefoot Toad, where Lindsay manages to capture both the awesome and the ridiculous, the beautiful and the painful aspects of the natural world and our confusion at finding our place in it.

I'm attracted to people, not parts

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Dear E! Online and Ted Casablanca,

As someone who identifies as bisexual I would like to express my frustration with your latest poll (rudely) entitled "Polling All Body Parts." There are a number of things that you seem to not understand about human sexuality. There was a rather famous study of human sexuality done in the 1960s by Dr. Alfred Kinsey. He devised something called "The Kinsey Scale" that indicates, contrary to your narrow-minded beliefs, bisexuality does exist. Despite our societies insistence of mashing people into one of two very limiting categories, sexuality and attraction (as well as most things in life) occur along a continuum. People can in fact be attracted to many different people (how novel!). Some people choose to call themselves bisexual, but many people use other terms like omnisexual, pansexual or even pomosexual.

When I'm attracted to a person, part of that attraction includes that person's physical self. However, there is no one thing that attracts me to a person - including a penis or a vagina - because a person is more than the one body part, more than the sum of their parts, so much more. Human beings are amazingly beautiful, flawed complex beings with intellect, emotional depth, humor and compassion. We come in all shapes, sizes, colors. We have different experiences, viewpoints, and opinions. We have ideas and imaginations. By insinuating that human sexuality is boiled down merely to which sex organs one prefers, you are not only insulting bisexuals, but also human beings in general. If this were the case, why would anyone want sex at all? Wouldn't a fake vagina sleeve or dildo suffice? I pity your husband because his personhood has now been reduced to less than an object, but just pieces of one. How disgusting.

I am saddened and offended by your biphobic poll because I'd like to think that people are moving away from narrow viewpoints like yours. As a member of the LGBT community, I expect more from you Mr. Casablanca. In fact, I demand more from you. I believe you owe an apology to bisexuals, to queers in general, to your partner and to yourself.

As a bisexual - and as a human being - I'm attracted to PEOPLE, not parts.

Most Sincerely,

Laura

Calling All Bisexuals! Tell E! Online to Eff Off!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:15:00 +0000

A friend of mine alerted me to Queers United's call to action this morning regarding E! Online's new poll. The poll, called "Polling All Body Parts" is asking about whether bisexuality is a legitimate sexual orientation. The article manages to reduce human sexuality down to either girl parts or boy parts, because you know, IT'S NOT LIKE HUMAN BEINGS HAVE OTHER QUALITIES.

So follow the poll to the bottom of the page to the comment section and voice your opinion. There are some great comments there already. I have so much more to say about this when I have more time later today.

Fuck you E! Online and Ted Casablanca for being narrow-minded bigots.

The False Dichotomy Between Art and Science

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:30:00 +0000

I recently had a bit of a disagreement with a new online friend of mine who posted this post on his blog about why he decided to choose a career in physics over his other passions of sports, music, art and politics. When I was reading his article, I understood his main focus was to make the point that science is a noble career path and also a stable one. Often it is more difficult to be a big success at something like music or sports, but this also depends on ones desires and definition of success. Nevertheless, I had no problem with someone deciding to choose one career path over another. The fault in my friends argument I found was his position that science is intrinsically more valuable than all of these other fields, including the arts.

The above statement is obviously false.

I posted a big long comment on his blog to which he graciously responded and accepted my position, clarifying that he simply meant to argue why he chose a particular career path. But I pointed out that in the process he created a false dichotomy between art and science and failed to see how they feed into one another, particularly in the area of technology and art.

Before I go on, I want to share with you my response to his post as he has given me permission to repost my comment here. I have portions of his post in italics.

________

I have to say that, as a writer and co-editor of an art and literary magazine, I have to STRONGLY disagree with your logic regarding the intrinsic value of the arts as a whole. So I’d like to correct you if you don’t mind:

The importance of arts is the inspiration and effects that the artist has on its audience. The right artist, with the right exposure, has the chance to change the world and the way people see it. However, this is very infrequently the case.

I agree with your first sentence in part: you seem to miss the whole point of self-expression and the value that creating art has for the artist themselves. After that first sentence I completely disagree. You are saying that unless you are Picasso or The Beatles then why bother trying? You aren’t really affecting any kind of real change right? That’s completely and totally false. The arts do have ways of reaching people – I run a small art and literary magazine and we have been very successful in bringing together a small community of people. We are building connections with other artists for collaborative projects. We are providing people with an outlet for their self-expression. We are a showcase for beautiful poetry, photography, fiction – the list goes on! We are running community workshops for writing and helping people get more involved with other writers. Ok, now that I’m done talking about how awesome my magazine is, I can take a break to say that we probably won’t change the world. But this experience alone has changed my life forever. My life is richer and has more meaning knowing that I’m helping people succeed as writers and artists. You simply cannot try to measure inspiration in the number of people you inspire. Even if you write a beautiful poem and it only inspires yourself – well, I feel there is deep, meaningful value there. You simply can’t measure emotional experience, personal growth or inspiration. Just because something isn’t quantifiable doesn’t negate its importance.

The more common use of music and art is simply entertainment, which I do believe is important. However, I feel that it is important to distinguish that I am not saying that any of these pursuits like athletics, arts, or politics are not on some level important, but just that I regard them with less overall greater importance than I do science.

Here you are saying that if you aren’t affecting great change, then the only other purpose art must serve is entertainment. This is kind of ridiculous. Even on a small scale, the arts have so many purposes: community building, education, cultural preservation and expression, affect political change, therapeutic purposes, add value to a community, self expression! One beautiful piece of art can change someone’s emotional state. I’m not just talking about Mozart’s symphonies here. I have a friend who writes beautiful songs and barely sings them to anyone – but I’ve been changed by her music. To say the only value the arts have is for entertainment you are devaluing the better part of human history. Human beings create. Human beings imagine. This is one of the things that sets us apartment from all other species.

Arts, to me, are like a drug…

I will refrain from being insulted here because I think you are a nice guy and don’t mean any harm. For you to argue that just because all your experiences with the arts made you irresponsible and flaky and then to deduce that this must be the case for all people with all art forms – that is not only insulting, but its unfounded. You are saying that your personal experiences must define everyone else’s – and that’s just bad logic there. I will give you this: art can be used as a form of escapism. But arts also inspire people in the darkest moments of their lives. They are a call to action – personal and political action. The arts have inspired revolutions! Great literature has made people so upset they wish to burn the very words of the author. The arts can change they way people think, the way people live their lives, their ethics and values.

Arts make you feel better for a little while but science actually makes us better, more often than not, forever.

This statement is wrong in two ways. One, you are making it sound like all scientists are working on a cure for cancer. There are plenty of scientists out there who aren’t extending our life span. There is also plenty of silly science out there! Just take a look at the Ignoble Prize winners for this year. Science can simply make our lives enjoyable in the same way some art can make our lives enjoyable. I have see no problem with this – but don’t argue that all sciences endeavors are solving the AIDS crisis when we all know its not the case. Also, you seem to say that any value that art provides is fleeting emotional distraction at best. You have sold the arts short here. Why do we have entire museums dedicated to the preservation of great works of art? Should we not waste our time investing in the preservation of our libraries full of great works of literature? These things have lasted through the ages just like science. The arts and sciences do strive toward different goals in some areas, but neither is more or less valuable than the other. So sure, science can extend our lifespan so humans will someday live for 500 years, but without the arts, with out language, without music, without self-expression – we will surely be bored and lacking. Sure science can keep us a live but the arts make life worth living.

________

This whole dialogue has inspired in me a desire to blast open this false dichotomy between art and science. I will be writing a series of posts under the theme "The Intersection of Art and Science" in an attempt to correct the notion that these two disciplines are unrelated. Rarely anything in life is that cut and dry and while our society loves to categorize us, loves to label us as either "creative" or "scientific" - why can't someone be both? Certainly scientists have to be, at times, creative and innovative and artist need to be methodical and disciplined sometimes as well.

If you have any ideas or examples of such an intersection, feel free to contact me and let me know.

Pittsburgh Photographer Needed!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:45:00 +0000

I am looking to start some photography projects for this site in the coming months. I have a plan for a new layout and design and I am looking for a local photographer who would be interested in collaborating with me. I would pay you in gratitude and perhaps a nice dinner.

Interested and qualified folks should contact me at laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com

Ponderings on Gender Stereotypes

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:20:00 +0000

I subscribe to a great blog called Genderfork that posts pictures of folks that blur gender lines. I'm very fascinated by this. Even though I'm queer, this isn't automatically something I understand. I don't have a lot of trans or genderqueer friends. I'm not sure I have a thorough understanding of gender yet and what it can mean to different people, but I do have some things to say initially as I start looking into the subject. I did a quick search on the word and found this bit from the entry on dictionary.com regarding the word "genderless":

Usage Note: Traditionally, gender has been used primarily to refer to the grammatical categories of "masculine," "feminine," and "neuter," but in recent years the word has become well established in its use to refer to sex-based categories, as in phrases such as "gender gap" and the "politics of gender". This usage is supported by the practice of many anthropologists, who reserve sex for reference to biological categories, while using gender to refer to social or cultural categories...This distinction is useful in principle, but it is by no means widely observed, and considerable variation in usage occurs at all levels.

While my biological sex is female (I got traditional girl parts!) I can't really comment on how I see my gender. Growing up, I never felt particularly feminine, despite one of my dad's nicknames for me being "girly girl" (for the record, he also called me "Funky Winkerbean" which I later found out is from an old comic strip and not just some weird thing he made up). I was always very dramatic and emotional, which are stereotypical traits that people associate with being "feminine" - but I also am a natural leader, loud and outspoken, traits that a traditionally associated with being "masculine." It also took me a long time to feel comfortable with my curvy figure and to get the hang of wearing makeup. I always used to joke that I missed that day in school where they pulled all the girls aside and taught them how to do their hair just right so it would stay perfect all day. I don't like to force myself into a category when it comes to gender labeling, although basically everyone sees me as female.

We can poke fun of ourselves about them because I'm sure all of us have behaved in a way that was typical of our gender. Sometimes I cry at Lifetime movies. It's silly, but it's true. But the problem I see with our society when it comes to any kind of generalization (and I'm sure this is nothing new) is that when you are describing a group of people as a whole, you can't then apply that same standard at the individual level. On can say that "gay men are flamboyant" or "bisexuals can't be monogamous" or even "jocks can't be intellectuals" - but when you get down to it on an individual level, there will always be people who don't fit the mold. Sure, there are cases where these statements ring true. But I will argue that no one person fits stereotypically into every category or label society forces upon them. In fact, I know people who don't fit into each of those stereotypes I named, and I'm sure you do too (thank you Rocky, Margaret and Brandon for breaking each mold, respectively).

And and I don't mean to say that behaving in a way that is stereotyptical of your gender (for example) is inherently less worthwhile than "breaking the mold." But rather, being given the freedom to be yourself regardless of gender roles. It is difficult to do that in a society that places such an emphasis on the gender of your child even before it is born. People get frustrated when expecting couples don't learn their babies gender before it is born; "What color outfits will we buy them!" Because obviously, it would be the end of the fucking world if a little baby boy wore pink. I'm sure he'd be scarred for life at 2 days old if the hospital wrapped him in a pink blanket. This is simply ridiculous to me. These colors don't affect that infant, but rather stand as signals to everyone else in the world as to which category this baby falls into. Because in reality, small infants don't have any gender traits except for the ones we force upon them. Yes, they have the physical traits of their sex, but other than that, how would children flourish and grow without the boundaries ascribed to them simply by virtue of being a particular gender.

For a lot of people, this isn't something they think about. They seem to be happy to take on the traditional gender roles and perhaps never question it. These questions arise when people don't identify with many of the expectations society has for them based on their gender.

One such example is this vlogger below, who does a great job making the issue of gender identity personal and political. For more on the personal, check out another response post over at The Watcher.

Guilty Pleasure: TLC's What Not to Wear

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:45:00 +0000

I am not the kind of person who worries about how I look on a daily basis. I shower (wow I set the standard low), sometimes I dry my hair, and I wear clean, functional clothing. So when I am doing something special, that is when I take the time to straighten my hair, put on makeup, maybe even *gasp* iron something! I love the transformation and for me it makes the idea of "dressing up" have meaning. I can be creative and have fun. So when I see a makeover show on TV, it just brings me so much joy. I love a good makeover show. I'm a total sucker for watching someone go from frumpy to fancy. However, I struggle with a bit of guilt about getting joy from something so superficial.

My favorite makeover show is TLC's What Not to Wear. The fashion-challenged victim is usually nominated by friends and family and filmed for 2 weeks to demonstrate their lack of style. And also humiliate them into saying yes when Stacy and Clinton surprise them with a $5000 credit card in their name. The thing most people have trouble with is giving up all their clothing - something they have to agree to in order to get the money. They are then taught how to buy clothing for their body type, what kinds of colors and fabrics work best for them and they also get a new hairstyle and a makeup overhaul.

Aside from the physical changes each nominee goes through, there is also a very fascinating psychological element to this show. Most people have a weird emotional attachment to their sense of style (or lack their of) and have to be broken down by the hosts "tough love" approach. After a day of shopping, you watch the fashion student breakdown and confront whatever issues they might have with their body and general self image. Then they are built back up and shown just how awesome they can look and leave feeling like they have a new lease on life.

Despite all of this, I feel guilty about liking a show that puts so much emphasis on our physical appearance. But I feel that the nominees (most often women in their early 20s to middle age) really do have valid emotional experiences. I struggle with the part of me that loves watching someone blossom and gain more confidence. Because why do they suddenly value themselves now that they have expensive cloths and a new haircut? Below I have outlined my specific issues with the show along with the positive things I see in it.

The Downside of WNTW

Self-Worth in What We Wear
I've already touched on this a bit - the hosts Stacy and Clinton say that people judge you first based on your appearance. It's true. I do it - everyone does to some degree. However, I like to think that if someone moves beyond whatever initial stereotype I might have shoved them into, I let go of my preconceived notions. Why must we have these objects that honestly don't really speak to who we are as a person to validate our self-worth? They often talk about how now "the inside matches the outside" - but this is just a nice way to avoid sounding shallow.

Reinforces Gender Roles
Sometimes you'll get a girl on the show that's kind of a tomboy. They fight the idea of owning a dress or a skirt. They cringe at high heels or pointed toed shoes. Well, according to WNTW hosts, this just simply won't do! "You're a GIRL!" they shout as they throw away their baggy jeans and men's dress shirts. They give them makeup tips despite never having worn make up before. I've seen women break down and cry because they never felt pretty or feminine (by society's ridiculous standards). This show doesn't even consider the fact that some people just don't fit into a gender definition quite so easily. There is no room for butch ladies on WNTW and that's just unacceptable. Because come on - you can argue with the hotness of say, Dani Campbell. *drools*

Ignores Class Issues
A lot of the folks on this show are obviously working class people. They shop at Walmart and thrift stores not because they want to, but because they have to. WNTW hosts sweep in with a $5000 gift card and expect these people to be totally ok with spending $250 on a tank top (I'm not exagerating here). The hosts shame them for looking so terrible when really, what we are talking about here is the fact that not everyone can fucking afford those $100 jeans.

Thin is Ideal Body-type
While they do always manage to get women into clothes that fit them, its sad that we must emphasize "the narrowest part of their waist" as the hosts often discuss. They give women tips and tricks to hide the body fat with shirts and skirts that fall away from the body. When these women look at their dress-up selves they feel confident. I wonder though, if later when they are in their rooms in front of the mirror just after a shower, do they look at their naked bodies in the same way?

The Upside of WNTW

Women are Forced to Care for Themselves!
A lot of the women on the show are mothers and quite often they have put their own needs aside for the needs of their family. Having someone come in and whisk them away with a trip to NYC and to go on a shopping spree, to get a great haircut and a makeover - wow, that's really nice. So many of these women say they just don't care about their style or fashion because its not a priority. I like this show because women do often sacrafice their own creative outlets (and I think fashion can be a creative outlet) for the sake of their families. And they come out realizing they deserve to do nice things for themselves.

Buy Quality over Quantity
I don't have a huge problem with consumerism, as long as things have function and are ethically made. This show does place an emphasis on the idea of clothing as an investment financially. You don't need to have 12 ugly tshirts if you can buy 2 well made knit tops for the same price. Not everyone can afford this I know. It takes a lot of budgeting. And then you do have to take care of things - dry cleaning, gentle laundry loads. But they do encourage thoughtfulness in how you spend your money and rather than just buying things willy nilly. You should make sure you invest in something you will get use from. I like that.

Curve Lurve
So while part of me can't stand the whole "girls wear skirts" crap they pull, I have to say I love love love that they want women to be proud of their curves. They do really celebrate a curvy body on this show and encourage women to buy clothing that fits them properly and shows them off. A lot of times women were hiding under big baggy clothes because they were embarrassed about their voluptuous bods, but the leave this show proud to be a sexy woman who is a normal size and shape.

Rite of Passage
While this show has a lot of middle aged moms, they also have a lot of young single women in the middle to late 20s on the show. So many times these women have no idea what clothes adult women wear, so they are stuck in the Juniors department with low-rise jeans and bear midriffs. I like to look at this show as a modern rite of passage that helps young woman transition into adulthood with clothing that is age-appropriate.

So often women don't value themselves enough to put time and thought into self-care. Then again, why don't they feed their brain by reading a book or calm their stresses with a relaxing bath? Perhaps they do. I like feeling pretty just as much as the next person. I like having a fun outfit I'm excited to wear whether its for a fancy party or just hanging out with friends. But I also like to keep myself informed politically and carry on intelligent conversations. Clothing can be a medium of self-expression - a creative outlet and ultimately if the nominees on WNTW come home feeling better about themselves, can I really nitpick that much? Having nice clothing that makes you feel special is just one element of self-care and perhaps an experience like that can start people down a path to treating themselves with kindness and respect - and to a great pear of shoes now and again too.

(photos via here and here)

Skepchick Book Review is up!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:30:00 +0000

I finally wrote my article for Skepchick and Teek posted it this morning. I'm getting some good responses in the comments and via my twitter feed. So check it out if you feel so inclined.

How Love Made Me a Skeptic

For any of you that found my blog via the article, check out some of my past posts about skepticism and atheism. I am also particularly proud of this post about making meaning in our lives.

Thanks for reading everyone.

Gamer!

laurawithoutlabels@gmail.com (Laura Without Labels) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:03:00 +0000

I'll admit it: I'm pretty geeky. Oh well, I think I've already mentioned that quite a few times and just by virtue of having a blog already puts me in that camp. Still - feels good to get that off my chest *sigh*

Now, another confession: I love games. Card games, board games, video games, party games. I recently got an iPod touch (way awesome) and I've been pretty into Spore Origins as well as the twelve-fifty million kinds of solitaire out there. I've yet to win at Demon yet. I have hosted game nights - I always like playing the dorky party games like Taboo and Scattergories. Even charades.

When I was a kid my grandmother and I used to play games together all the time. She is a gambler, so of course her favorite game is Yahtzee! She will tell the story that the first time she played she rolled EIGHT Yahtzees! My great-aunts have confirmed this rare feat and I don't believe she's since managed to match that fateful game. We also played a lot of Scrabble, even though I'm pretty terrible at it. She would sometimes let me cheat and look up words in this gigantic dictionary she had. She always taught me new words too, words that I fear might die out from lack of use when her generation is gone. Another game was called Mastermind - very strategic and I usually suck at strategy games. This one also got easier as you went along via process of elimination so as a child it wasn't too hard but it could be made more complicated for more experienced players.

Some games that provide great opportunities for escape. I remember when my brother Rick and I finally got a Nintendo set. I probably played Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt for hours on end. Tetris too - burning those little blocks into my brain. When we upgraded to a Sega system I can remember wasting hours locked into beating the next level of Sonic. Then, when my youngest brothers (twins) grew older the boys really claimed the gaming systems as their territory. I wasn't too into RPG games or anything too violent. I also didn't have a lot of friends who liked to play video games, so I fell away from it in high school.

So now, both of my current sweeties are pretty into video gaming. It seemed only a matter of time before I'd be holding the controller again. Dan recently let me borrow his XBOX 360 and he got me a copy of the new Viva Pinata. If you've never played, its what his friends call a "sandbox" game - you can just play and play and while there are goals and accomplishments, you don't have to do any of those things. You just kind of putter around and it's a great time waster. I know I'll miss it when I have to give it back to him.

I used to feel guilty about playing games for hours on end. I felt like I needed to be more productive. But with all the work I've been doing to prepare for Weave's first issue release, I decided to reward myself with at least an hour each night to game. I'm actually finding I'm almost MORE productive because I know I have this time set aside.

A quick comment on girl gamers: I'm happy to see more advertising directed at women for gaming systems. The most recent examples I've seen are the Nintendo DS where they feature female celebrities America Ferrara and Carrie Underwood playing games. I do, however, get annoyed when the handheld systems they push on girls are always pink. Why must we continue to color-code products? Plus, with the types of games they market to girls, I still wonder how many young girls actually like those kinds of games (ie: games about weddings and fashion). While I'm not so into the more violent RPGs I'm sure other girls are.

I always buy my niece and nephew games as gifts. I remember my exhusband teaching my nephew to play checkers and how he patiently sat with him, gently encouraging him to think ahead and plan his moves. My nephew tends to be somewhat introverted and this really brought him out of his shell. Gaming can be great opportunities for social interaction, not to mention problem-solving, conflict resolution, how to lose with grace and cooperate and share.

Card game recommendation - FLUXX. If you've never played you should. Good times, really silly and relatively easy to learn.

I really want to have a game night again soon but I think I might not have time this fall. Maybe just something more casual that won't involve me having to borrow card tables. It seems I've managed to clear my schedule this weekend; it is rather unlike me to have nothing planned. This is perfect opportunity to stay in, order some greasy chinese take-out and play a video game for hours on end. Wow, now I really can't wait for the weekend.